Foundation asks city for support

CEBU, Philippines —  A non-government organization (NGO) with a community-based program helping people recover from drug addiction has asked the Cebu City government to accredit its group and allow them to avail the annual financial assistance from the city.

Kaalam Foundation, Inc., which was incorporated in 2014 and launched its program “Surrender to God (SuGod)” in 2016, aims to address drug addiction problem through scientific and spiritual approach.

City Councilor David Tumulak said the NGO has started the process to get accredited by the city government, which is giving P5 million annual financial assistance, subject to liquidation, to accredited NGOs and People’s Organizations.

“Dinhi gyud ang president si Maam (Fe) Barino nagpatabang sa city government kay daghan kaayong drug surrenderees nga mi-avail sa ilang Surrender to God program nga puros taga Cebu City and tungod sa limited funds nila, nangayo sila’g tabang sa siyudad sa Sugbo,” he said.

Tumulak said the SuGod program is also in line with the city’s thrust on drug rehabilitation and recovery among drug dependents in the city.

He added he will support the request of the Kaalam Foundation, Inc. –Surrender to God by endorsing its application for accreditation before the City Council and forward it to the Cebu City Private Sector Organization Evaluation and Monitoring Board.

“We are hopeful nga this can support the drug dependents to avail aning Surrender to God as part of moral rehabilitation sa pagka-drug dependent nila. Dili lang kay puros lang dakop, puros tokhang ug importante ang religious aspect nga mo-apil sa rehabilitation,” he added.

In its program brief, SuGod has already catered to 778 individuals from August 14, 2016 to September 8, 2018.

Of the 778 program beneficiaries, at least 628 have already graduated, which are part of the first 15 batches.

However, there are at least 376 of the 628 graduates that are no longer in contact with the program, as of September 18, 2018.

SuGod has three main programs that would provide treatment, recovery, and healing from the consequences of drug addiction.

These three programs include the SuGod Recovery and renewal program, Continuing Care Program, and Living-in-Faith and Livelihood Program.

“While the SuGod programs are basically Roman Catholic with charismatic orientation, non-Catholics are most welcome and respected. SugGod caters to moderate and low-risk cases of substance use disorder, while high risk and special cases are referred to government or private treatment facilities,” read a portion of its program brief.

Tumulak said the application of the organization has yet to be scrutinized at the City Council and for approval of the mayor. — GAN (FREEMAN)